If you love Indian food or are just starting to explore it, Palak Paneer is the perfect dish to try. It’s a delicious North Indian curry made with fresh spinach and soft paneer cubes, gently spiced and blended into a rich, creamy sauce.
Wondering if Indian curries are hard to make at home? This easy, one-pan recipe proves that even beginners can whip up restaurant-style results in just 30 minutes.
🥬 Why You’ll Love This Palak Paneer Recipe
- Made with fresh spinach and wholesome ingredients
- Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free
- High in iron, calcium, and protein
- Quick enough for weeknight dinners
- Tastes just like your favorite Indian takeout—maybe better!
“Palak Paneer is the soul-warming, comfort food you didn’t know you needed—rich in flavor, nutrients, and tradition.”
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to grab for this simple Indian curry:
- 10 oz fresh spinach (baby spinach or regular)
- 7 oz paneer, cubed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 1 green chili, chopped (optional for heat)
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ inch ginger, peeled
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- ½ tsp coriander powder
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- Salt, to taste
- 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or cashew cream (optional for richness)
[INTERNAL LINK: Homemade Paneer Recipe – Soft & Fresh Every Time]
🍳 How to Make Palak Paneer (Step-by-Step)
🔹 Step 1: Blanch and puree the spinach
Boil spinach leaves for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Immediately transfer to an ice bath. Drain and blend with ginger, garlic, and chili into a smooth green paste.
🔹 Step 2: Sauté aromatics and tomatoes
In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, sauté onions until golden. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes break down.
🔹 Step 3: Combine and simmer
Add the spinach puree to the pan. Cook for 5–7 minutes on medium heat. Stir in garam masala and cream.
🔹 Step 4: Add paneer
Gently add paneer cubes to the spinach gravy. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to absorb flavor. Turn off the heat and cover for 5 minutes.
đź’ˇ Tips & Variations
- Use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and blend
- Swap paneer with tofu for a vegan version
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness
- For extra protein, stir in boiled chickpeas or edamame
[INTERNAL LINK: Best Indian Vegetarian Recipes for Beginners]
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Palak Paneer pairs perfectly with:
- Jeera Rice (cumin-spiced rice)
- Garlic Naan or roti
- A simple side of kachumber salad or raita
📦 Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps well for 3–4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Freeze the spinach base without paneer for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave gently or heat in a pan over low heat
âś… Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 20g
- Iron & Calcium: Excellent source
Conclusion: Palak Paneer for the Win
Palak Paneer is the kind of dish that feels comforting and exotic all at once. With simple pantry spices and fresh ingredients, it delivers the bold, earthy flavor of India—no takeout menu required.
Make it once, and it just might become your go-to green curry.
